In an interview with The Voice, Mr Saine added that the competition motivates them to work harder, saying it was very good. “It is my overall hope for the year that despite the consequences we are facing, we are doing our best to meet the challenges by accomplishing an award for the nation playing a key role.’’
The veteran journalist says it is hard to run a newspaper, citing that printing materials are very expensive.
Based on commitment and dedication, he said as journalists, they are doing their best to making sure they play a key role in society by promoting democracy, good governance, and respect for human rights and the rule of law.
“Despite the challenges, the media still tries to inform and educate the public. As journalists, we should always be accurate and impartial to do our job without fear or favour,” Mr Saine told The Voice in an exclusive interview.
He points out that one of the major challenges of the print media is the rising cost of printing materials, saying all the printing materials are expensive and every two or three months, the price increases due to foreign exchange.
“Another challenge is that many of our advertisers in the government departments don’t pay upfront and it takes time before we have the money to pay our salaries,” he said, adding: “I’m appealing to the government to cordially work with the media as we are development partners and that we should work together for the development and interest of the nation.”
Mr Saine said further: “We are not enemies but partners. We should open a new page of cooperation and support each other because without government, our productions and advertisements will be harmed, which is playing a key role in our financial activities.”
The veteran journalist opined that the government should help the press by advertising with the media without distinction.
“Accept criticism,” he said. “We are in a democratic era; so, people should adore the press for the work they are doing for the society.”
